Cup-saucer insert to absorb drippings



Dec. 12, 1967 E. SAM-0R5 3,357,590

CUP-SAUCER INSERT TO ABSORB DRIPPINGS Filed Sept. 12. 1966 /9 INYVENTOREARLY SAFFORD BY v (low, M, 5%

AT.TO RN EYS United States Patent Qfitice 3,357,590 Patented Dec. 12,1967 3,357,590 CUP-SAUCER INSERT T ABSORB DRIPPINGS Earl Saiford, 1958Lawrence, Detroit, Mich. 48206 Filed Sept. 12, 1966, Ser. No. 578,540 1Claim. (Cl. 220-23.83)

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A unit cup-saucer insert of paper, cellularplastic, or sponge rubber, to absorb drippings, including a perforatedisc having an outer peripheral ring and a circular centrally depressedportion to receive a cup, a series of spaced peripheral legs dependingfrom the ring edge to engage a saucer, and a plurality of drainapertures.

The present invention relates to cups and saucers, and moreparticularly, to a cup-saucer insert adapted to absorb drippings.

It is well-known that accumulated drippings in a saucer often fall fromthe lifted cup onto the users apparel and that various make-shiftefforts have been tried to overcome this difficulty, as for example, theinsertion of a paper napkin or the like. I

It is the object of the present invention to provide a simple andinexpensive cup-saucer insert interposed between the cup and saucer forthe purpose of catching and absorbing drippings.

This and other objects will be seen from the following specification andclaims in conjunction with the appended drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present cupsaucer insert witha cup shown in phantom thereabove in exploded view.

FIG. 2 is a section taken in the direction of arrows 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a slightly different formof ring segment for the cup support or insert.

It will be understood that the above drawing illustrates merely apreferred embodiment of the invention, and that other inventions arecontemplated within the scope of the claims hereafter set forth.

Referring to the drawing, the present cup-saucer insert is generallyindicated at 11, FIG. 1, for the purpose of absorbing cup drippings andis adapted for mounting, centrally, upon and within the saucer 12, FIG.2, and is adapted to supportably receive the cup 13.

The present insert includes a substantially flat web or disc 14 whichhas therearound a slightly enlarged outer p r he a annular r g 5.-

A series of short legs 16 depend from and are spaced around said ringand are adapted to rest upon saucer 12 for supportably spacing the cup13 thereabove.

The present disc 14 has a circular centrally depressed portion 17adapted to cooperatively receive the annular base of cup 13 in themanner of use illustrated in FIG. 2.

The disc 14 and the integral ring 15 are normally constructed of aperforate, absorbent material which may be paper, cellular plastic, orsponge rubber or the like, and which has a spongy, moisture absorbentcharacteristic.

As shown in FIG. 1, there are a plurality of spaced legs 16 which dependfrom the annular ring 15 forming a part of the disc 14 and these legsmay be of any desired shape.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating a slightlydifferent form of ring forming a part of the centrally arranged discwherein a series of circularly arranged legs are spaced more closelytogether as the support for the said insert.

The centrally depressed portion 17 has a plurality of drain apertures 20extending therethrough.

Having described my invention reference should now be had to thefollowing claim.

I claim:

A cup-saucer insert to absorb drippings comprising:

a substantially fiat disc of a perforate, absorbent ma terial;

an outer peripheral ring around and a part of said disc;

there being a circular, centrally depressed portion in said disc adaptedto receive the base of a cup;

and a series of short legs integral with, depending from and spacedaround said ring at its outer edge adapted to rest upon a saucer forsupportably spacing a cup thereabove;

the material of said disc selected from the group consisting of paper,cellular plastic, and sponge rubber;

said centrally depressed portion having a plurality of drain aperturestherethrough.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,670,615 3/1954- Dworak 215-2,787,897 4/ 1957 Taylor 22023.83 3,018,014 1/1962 Opolion 220-23.83

FOREIGN PATENTS 932,694 8/1955 Germany. 422,249 1/ 193 5 Great Britain.

THERON E. CONDO'N, Primary Examiner. GEORGE E. LOWRANCE, Examiner.

